they have afforded me information; and I must request all those who have favoured me with communications, to receive this public assurance of my sincere respect and gratitude. My design seemed naturally to open itself into four leading particulars; the LIFE MINISTRY-WRITINGS and CHARACTER of Mr. Robinson. A correct view of his character must be formed out of the consideration of the previous materials; and by way of making these more complete, and that our conclusions may be formed on just and sufficient data, I have inserted some of his familiar letters: for which I feel myself particularly indebted to the kindness of those near and dear friends who supplied me with them. These, if I mistake not, will be read with peculiar interest, and will be considered as by far the most valuable part of the volume. In tracing the incidents of his life, I have not followed a strict chronological series, but have pursued subjects rather than the course of events. For instance, having occasion to speak of the repeal of the Test Act at p. 126, I have put down all which Mr. Robinson did in the course of his ministry, connected with that subject. Having occasion to speak of the Abolition of the Slave Trade at p. 134, I have pursued the same course. Having mentioned his marriage at p. 91, I have related all which I saw it necessary to state respecting that connection. I have preferred the general title of " SOME ACCOUNT" to one more explicit; as giving me the privilege of comprehending any thing and every thing which I might be enabled and inclined to introduce, without binding me to a complete and specific design. I have collected what I could, and have stated what I believe to be the most important particulars respecting my honoured brother; but I am far from undertaking to say, that more and better may not even yet be added. A note at p. 69 contains an explicit apology for any mention of places or persons which may excite pain or displeasure: but I cannot rest satisfied till I have, in the very outset, requested every reader to be assured, that I shall be truly grieved if I have used an expression in any part of the volume, which may of .fend the most delicate feelings. The task I have executed had its difficulties in this kind also: but the conciousness that I was stating truth, and was stating it without the least intention of inflicting a wound any where, has made me bold in encountering the obloquy which such statements may possibly excite. It has been chiefly my aim to be useful; to improve the matter which I had occasion to bring forth. I trust I have not wholly failed in prosecuting this object; and I am cheered by the hope that, however faulty and defective the execution of my work may be, it is not possible that the developement of so truly estimable a character can be made without its important and substantial uses. May it please God to sanctify and prosper it! Leicester, March 17, 1815. E. T. VAUGHAN. |